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Part of Water and wetland conservation

Wetland Replacement Program

Providing resources for collaborative projects between Alberta, municipalities and non-profits to construct and restore wetlands.

Overview

The Wetland Replacement Program aims to re-establish wetlands in partnership with Albertans by providing resources for collaborative restoration projects with municipalities and non-profit organizations across the province. Wetlands are a vital part of Alberta’s ecological landscape and necessary for a sustainable economy and healthy communities.

See the Wetland Replacement Program Fact Sheet for more information.

The program is an implementation tool of the Alberta Wetland Policy (AWP). The AWP was developed by the Alberta government and stakeholders in 2013 to conserve, restore, protect and manage Alberta’s wetlands in ways that sustain the benefits they provide to the environment, society and economy.

The AWP outlines a framework that aims to avoid or minimize impacts to wetlands, and replace wetlands where loss is unavoidable. Where wetland loss is unavoidable, a wetland replacement fee is paid to the Alberta government through the Water Act approval process. Revenue from these fees fund the Wetland Replacement Program.

Review the Alberta Wetland Policy

Eligibility

Municipalities and non-profit organizations can participate in wetland replacement projects within all municipalities and watersheds across Alberta. The program prioritizes:

  • watersheds which have had the greatest loss of wetlands since 2015
  • areas with the highest rates of loss historically
  • projects located within high-priority HUC 4 watersheds

  • Eligible projects

    Wetland replacement includes the following activities:

    • Wetland Restoration: Returning natural/historic area and hydrological functions to a drained, partially drained, or filled-in wetland.
    • Wetland Construction: Creating a wetland on a site that was historically non-wetland.

  • Who can participate

    Municipalities and non-profit organizations that are committed to identifying and undertaking wetland replacement projects within priority watersheds are eligible to participate in the Wetland Replacement Program.

    Private landowners should contact their local municipality or contact the Wetland Replacement Program directly to inquire about program partners in their area.

How to participate

In order to participate in the program, municipalities and non-profit organizations that are committed to undertaking projects should follow the process outlined below.

  • Contact

    Municipalities and non-profit originations that are committed to undertaking projects can contact the Wetland Replacement Program directly at: [email protected].

  • Introductory presentation about the program

    Prospective program participants meet with and receive a presentation from the Wetland Replacement Program team.

  • Memorandum of understanding

    Program participants sign a memorandum of understanding to enter into a 3-year agreement to collaborate with the Government of Alberta to develop and complete projects.

  • Pre-proposal letter

    Program participants submit a pre-proposal letter for review by the Wetland Replacement Program. This letter should outline the wetland construction or restoration project they are interested in completing through the program.

  • Proposal

    Once the pre-proposal letter is approved by the Wetland Replacement Program team, participants will use the proposal submission requirements outlined in the memorandum of understanding to complete and submit an official proposal for approval.

  • Service contract

    Once a proposal is approved, program participants enter a 5-year service contract with the Government of Alberta.

  • Regulatory authorizations

    Before the project begins, it will require additional regulatory authorizations such as a Water Act approval or a code of practice notification for wetland replacement works. The Wetland Replacement program team will provide guidance on project-specific approvals.

  • Construction

    Construction activities are typically completed within the first year of the service contract.

  • Monitoring reports

    Following construction, program participants monitor the newly established wetland for 4 years. Program participants must submit annual reports to the Wetland Replacement Program outlining project progress and any achievements. After 5 years, program participants are required to submit a final report at the conclusion of their project that reports on the success of wetland establishment.

Resources

Contact

For further information or to apply for wetland project funding and partnership opportunities, connect with the Wetland Replacement Program.

Hours: 8 am to 4 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 310-3773 (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

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